US Audience Shrugs Over "Atlas Shrugged"

A new film version of Atlas Shrugged was recently released with the title Atlas Shrugged: Part I. I have not seen the movie , so I don't have an opinion on it. What is interesting is the film's financial backer. He's John Aglialoro, Chairman and CEO of Cybex International, Inc. He made his millions in the exercise machine and muscle building business. Apparently, he's been dismayed over the American audience's lack of responsiveness to this movie version of Ayn Rand's book. The LA Times noted Aglialoro's dismay, as well as the media backstory which strikes me as much ado about nothing.

It's hard to imagine any foreign audience will line up for the movie, as Ayn Rand's book and perspective have historically generated little traction and even less intellectual respect beyond our borders. The American box office results are dreadful; even bad art house films make more money than Aglialoro's valentine to laissez-faire capitalism has earned to date. Ironically, Atlas Shrugged: Part I and its ardent backers have experienced the will of the free market. Call it "Atlas Flopped."